Sella&Mosca's 2023 Vintage: a testament to resilience and quality

Sella&Mosca, one of Europe's most prestigious wineries, has unveiled the details of its 2023 vintage, a year marked by climatic challenges and strategic vineyard renovations. General Manager and Enologist Giovanni Pinna provided an insightful overview of this year's harvest, focusing on the vineyard's flagship varieties, Cannonau and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The year began with a mild winter and low rainfall, followed by a phase of abundant rains and lower-than-average temperatures. These conditions led to outbreaks of downy mildew and powdery mildew, which required intensive management by Pinna and his team. Moreover, the winery grappled with a reduced production area due to an extensive two-year renovation project. Of their 520 hectares, only a fraction contributed to this year's harvest, with the new plantings yielding limited returns.

Despite these challenges, Sella&Mosca succeeded in meeting its production goals, thanks to a favorable late September and early October climate that fostered the development of anthocyanins and polyphenols, essential for high-quality red wines.

The 2023 Vintage

The vintage was defined by a mild, dry winter and an early, warm spring, with minimal rainfall. However, this was abruptly followed by heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures in June, causing delays in flowering and other cultivation issues. A surge in temperatures in July led to leaf loss and bunch scorching, but the arrival of the Mistral wind in August provided some relief. A subsequent heatwave accelerated ripening, especially in irrigated vineyards.

Harvesting began with Cannonau in late August, focusing on producing rosé wines. This early harvest was critical for maintaining the grape's alcoholic vigor and freshness. The harvest of Cannonau grapes for red wine production started on September 11, yielding fruit with excellent phenolic development.

Cabernet grapes were harvested at the end of September, benefiting from excellent vineyard management and strict yield control. This meticulous approach resulted in grapes with exceptional color, concentration, and finesse.

Notable Wines from the 2023 Vintage

Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva: This 100% Cannonau wine is a reflection of Sella&Mosca's winemaking heritage. The grapes undergo controlled fermentation and are aged for 24 months, with at least 12 months in large oak barrels. The wine boasts a mature bouquet with hints of violet, liquor-soaked cherries, plum, black currant, and a touch of spice. Its balanced tannins and balsamic notes of eucalyptus and sea breeze make for a smooth and harmonious sip.

Sardegna Alghero Rosso Tanca Farrà: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cannonau, this wine ages for 12 months in wood and 3 months in the bottle. It features ripe red fruit, sour cherries, and Mediterranean scrub notes, with a touch of pink pepper, licorice, and cocoa. Its soft tannins and vanilla aftertaste echo the richness of iron and red clay soils.

Alghero Cabernet Riserva Marchese di Villamarina: A pure Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine showcases the potential of international varieties in Sardinian terroir. It undergoes a controlled fermentation process and ages for 18 months in French oak barriques, followed by 12 months in the bottle. The wine offers a complex aroma profile with black currant, tobacco, and Mediterranean spices, balanced by good acidity and a warm, lasting finish.

The 2023 vintage at Sella&Mosca stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this historic winery, overcoming climatic adversities to produce wines of remarkable quality and depth.